Victorians, including those from Melton and Moorabool, are being urged to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter by getting their influenza vaccination, ahead of an expected spike in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases during winter.
Flu is highly contagious, and while it can be mild in some people, it can also cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and death in otherwise healthy people.
Following a resurgence in 2022, seasonal flu activity is expected to continue to rise in 2023 – and the last fortnight has seen an increase in notified flu cases, with of cases in children aged from 5-14 increasing by 115 per cent.
Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone six months and older and is free under the National Immunisation Program for people considered to be at higher risk.
This includes children aged six months to under five years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months of age and older, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe flu and its complications.
All Victorians can receive their vaccination through a local provider – including your GP, pharmacy, local council immunisation clinic, Aboriginal Health Service or community health centre.
